V. Creating High-Standard Security for High-Quality Development of the One Country, Two Systems Policy

Nowadays, China has entered a critical stage in building itself into a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. As the One Country, Two Systems practice has entered a new phase, Hong Kong continues to face a complex situation in safeguarding national security, and the struggle in this regard remains challenging and fierce. On the new journey in the new era, China must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, accurately grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of One Country, Two Systems, and unswervingly build a high level of security so as to ensure steady and sustained progress in the One Country, Two Systems practice.

1. Upholding the Unity of the Central Government's Fundamental Responsibility and the HKSAR's Constitutional Responsibility

Safeguarding national security in Hong Kong under One Country, Two Systems is a shared responsibility of the central government and the HKSAR. The central government bears the fundamental responsibility for matters of national security pertaining to the HKSAR. It safeguards national security in all respects by law and exercises relevant powers, including handling national security matters that prove difficult to resolve at the special administrative region level. The HKSAR bears a constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. In accordance with the law, the chief executive and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are responsible for effectively preventing, halting, and punishing acts and activities that undermine national security. In performing these duties, they are subject to the supervision of the central government and are accountable to it.

In safeguarding national security, the mechanism whereby the central government takes a guiding role and the HKSAR government assumes the principal responsibility is consistent with the One Country, Two Systems policy, and constitutes a vivid manifestation of the unity between upholding the overall jurisdiction of the central authorities and ensuring a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.

In the face of complex and changing situations, safeguarding national security must be a consistent theme throughout the implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy. The central government supports the HKSAR in steadily strengthening its awareness of national security, fulfilling its duty of safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, fully and accurately implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, adopting a holistic approach to both traditional and non-traditional security as well as to external and internal security, promptly studying new developments and solving new issues as they arise, continuously optimizing the systems and mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and improving relevant capabilities.

2. Keeping the Power to Govern HKSAR Firmly in the Hands of Patriots

Giving top priority to political security is crucial to China's national security in the new era. State power security and system security constitute the core of political security. Anti-China agitators' attack on the HKSAR government was, in essence, an attempt to undermine the leadership of the CPC and the fundamental system of the country. Safeguarding government security under the framework of One Country, Two Systems requires not only protecting the security of the HKSAR government, fully implementing the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong, and ensuring that the power to govern Hong Kong remains firmly in the hands of those who love the country, but also safeguarding the security of the country's fundamental systems and state power established by the Constitution. On this major issue of principle, a clear and firm stance must be upheld without any wavering.

Always staying vigilant on matters of national security is a lesson learned from the 2019 turmoil. To safeguard government security, instigators of disorder must be excluded from the HKSAR's governance structure, attention must remain focused on "soft confrontation" under the slogans of "democracy", "freedom", and "human rights", and the reverse flow of agitator activities from overseas to Hong Kong must be closely monitored. It is imperative to inspire more people in Hong Kong to love both the country and Hong Kong and forge a broader united front at home and abroad in support of the One Country, Two Systems policy. Hong Kong must follow a path of democratic development that aligns with its realities, and place virtuous patriots with a clear and firm stance, outstanding administrative capabilities and a commitment to public service in the governing team through high-quality elections. The executive-led system must be upheld and strengthened, and positive interactions between the executive and legislative branches should be promoted, to continuously improve the governance efficiency of the HKSAR.

3. Respecting and Ensuring Human Rights

National security bears on the security of everyone. In Hong Kong, it concerns the interests and wellbeing of all residents and foreign investors. Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security are not aimed to pursue "absolute" or "generalized" security. Instead, they have sound provisions on the protection of human rights and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by all of Hong Kong's residents in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant provisions of the international covenants applicable to Hong Kong. Clear distinctions are maintained between crimes and non-crimes, ensuring that individuals and organizations can exercise their rights and freedoms in accordance with the law without interference. In the process of prosecuting those who endanger national security, the rights to defense and other litigation rights afforded by law to criminal suspects, defendants, and other participants in legal proceedings are fully guaranteed. Criminal suspects and defendants are entitled to a prompt and fair trial by judicial authorities.

Respecting and protecting human rights is a salient feature and important experience of the HKSAR's efforts to safeguard national security and must be adhered to over the long term. Normal interactions between Hong Kong residents and legal entities and other countries, regions, and relevant international organizations, as well as the various rights of foreigners in Hong Kong are fully protected in accordance with the law and will not be affected in any way. Normal official exchanges, commercial deals, research cooperation, academic exchanges, non-governmental communications, and other activities also remain sufficiently protected by law.

4. Safeguarding Security Under the Rule of Law

In safeguarding national security, the HKSAR strictly abides by the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, and local laws, making sure that laws are observed and violations are punished. The principle of legality is upheld, meaning that the perpetrators of activities defined by law as crimes are convicted and sentenced in accordance with the law, while activities not so defined are not subject to prosecution or punishment. The principle of non-retroactivity is strictly observed, and due process and the presumption of innocence are fully respected, with all individuals thusly considered innocent prior to conviction by judicial organs. Individuals who have been conclusively convicted or acquitted through judicial proceedings are not subject to new trials or punishment for the same acts.

Law enforcement agencies exercise their powers in strict accordance with legal provisions, follow statutory procedures, and are subject to judicial scrutiny. The judicial authorities of the HKSAR exercise adjudicative power independently and, in trying cases pertaining to national security in accordance with the law, are free from any interference. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region performs its duties in strict accordance with the law and operates under legally mandated oversight.

Hong Kong's common law system continues to apply. Efforts are being made to continuously improve the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, strengthen the judicial and legal systems, and ensure the independent exercise of adjudicative power by judicial agencies. These measures aim to enhance the role of the rule of law in consolidating foundations, stabilizing expectations, and delivering long-term benefits, and constantly strengthen the confidence of Hong Kong residents and the international community in the rule of law in Hong Kong.

5. Following a Holistic Approach to Development and Security

Security is a prerequisite for development, and development provides a guarantee for security. A firm commitment is required to both safeguard security and advance development. Hong Kong's unique status and strengths have formed through development, and their consolidation and improvement will also be achieved through it.

Security must not be overlooked while pursuing development. For extended periods in the past, Hong Kong lacked a sound legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. This allowed political strife and societal chaos to persist, which led to missed opportunities for development and adversely impacted the wellbeing of the people.

The purpose of safeguarding national security is to ensure better development in Hong Kong and a better life for its residents, while providing better protection for the legitimate rights and interests of investors. It is therefore essential for the region to recognize that security and development are equally important imperatives, and pursue both as its top priorities. Only in this way can a secure foundation for Hong Kong's prosperity and development be established.

Under the new circumstances, a dynamic balance between development and security should be achieved so that the two reinforce each other. Innovation should be promoted while risks are prevented. Hong Kong's unique status and strengths should be consolidated and boosted, and new driving forces for development should be continuously strengthened. Greater attention should be given to security in unconventional areas such as finance, shipping, trade, and the protection of overseas interests. Intervention and sabotage by hostile external forces must be guarded against, and the systems and mechanisms for countering foreign sanctions, intervention, and long-arm jurisdiction should be further improved. Risk monitoring and early warning systems should be improved to effectively defuse major risks, so as to achieve high-quality economic development and maintain social stability in Hong Kong.

6. Safeguarding Security with Greater Openness

Safeguarding national security in Hong Kong under One Country, Two Systems aims at developing "open security", emphasizing dynamic protection of national security in an open environment. Backed by the motherland and connecting the world, Hong Kong has long enjoyed the reputation as an international center for finance, shipping and trade. By maintaining its long-term status as a free port and implementing a zero-tariff policy, it has remained one of the world's most liberal and open economies. The special administrative region functions as a pivotal link between the world's second largest economy and the global economy.

As such, safeguarding national security in Hong Kong means safeguarding the security of global industrial, supply and capital chains, international economic and financial security, and the basic order of economic globalization. In a highly internationalized environment, Hong Kong remains resolute in both safeguarding national security and maintaining openness, ensuring security through openness and promoting openness through security.

On the basis of a strong security foundation, the HKSAR will advance high-standard opening up to ensure a more liberal and open business environment, a more dynamic and resilient capital market, and seamless flow of capital, personnel, goods, data, and other factors of production. International exchanges and cooperation should be broadened and deepened, so that Hong Kong's international influence and competitiveness continue to rise.

Hong Kong will continue to employ judges and other judicial professionals from other common law areas, and its Court of Final Appeal will continue to invite such judges to participate in trials as needed. Lawyers from other areas will continue to work and practice law in Hong Kong in accordance with the law. The lawful rights and interests of investors from all countries and regions will continue to receive equal protection. People speaking different languages who come from different racial and cultural backgrounds will continue to interact and learn from each other, highlighting the perfect coexistence and integration of diverse cultures.

Regardless of changes in the international landscape, the central government will always lend full support to Hong Kong in building high-standard security, preventing and defusing major risks and hidden dangers, and extensively expanding its global reach. It is fully committed to maintaining the region's long-term prosperity and stability. The central government will continue to fully, accurately, and resolutely implement the principles of One Country, Two Systems, the people of Hong Kong administering Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy. It will uphold the fundamental tenet of One Country while respecting the differences of Two Systems, ensuring that the capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong, its status as an international free port and separate customs territory, and its common law system remain unchanged over the long term. Private assets, corporate ownerships, lawful rights of inheritance, and the safety and legitimate interests of investors in Hong Kong will be effectively protected.

The practice of Hong Kong in safeguarding national security has consolidated the security foundation of One Country, Two Systems, and further strengthened the national security system of the country. It has led to successful approaches for safeguarding national security under the conditions of a highly internationalized environment and all-round opening up. Such experience has enriched the Chinese path to national security and provided a new example for other countries and regions seeking to safeguard their own security.